More than any other factor in the golf game, golfers have found that the putter can affect the scores achieved more than anything else. Particularly, putting requires a high level of speed control and confidence. Golfers of any level can benefit from applying the lessons learned from these drills. In this post, we cover some effective routines to help you develop speed control and confidence on the greens.
Why Speed Control Matters
Speed will be one of the important aspects in determining if a putt ends up near the hole or leaves you with a much more difficult second attempt. If players control their pace, they will see reduced three-putts and will feel more relaxed over short putts. Constant touch results in mistakes and greater confidence in the ability to judge distance. Beginners practicing golf putting drills often discover how speed control directly impacts confidence on the greens.
Essential Tools for Practice
Most drills require nothing more than a flat area on a putting green, a handful of golf balls and a few tees, if desired. Other routines utilize a coin or marker for target or directional practice. With basic tools, it can enable anybody to set up efficient training without any type of special equipment.
Distance Awareness Ladder Drill
This drill promotes rolling putts at various distances to various targets. To start, put three tees at three, six, and nine feet away from your starting point. Hit a putt to the nearest tee, then the next out from the hole, and finally the furthest. The goal for each putt is to land as close as possible to the tee without going over it. By taking these shots at varying distances, players get a sense for different lengths, touch, and pressure.
Gated Drill for Accuracy and Pace
Just in front of the starting point, two tees were placed the width of a putter apart from a gate. The idea is to get the ball through the gate without touching either of the tees. This drill develops pace along with alignment. It helps players develop the ability to start putts on their intended line while controlling speed, and they start to trust their stroke and judgement.
Circle Drill for Short Putts
For most average players, the gap in confidence is on the shorter test putts, where other players have routinely put down better scores. Put together a circle of six billiard balls, all so many feet wider than the hole itself. But sink one ball after another, in a clockwise direction. If you miss a putt, begin again from the start. Repeating these exercises consistently fosters mental resilience and develops a reliable stroke for crucial short putts.
Touch and Consistency of Coin Drill
Drop a coin on the green, three feet away. Try to roll the ball so it only touches the coin. This will help the players to stop the ball at an exact place. Refining touch equates to higher levels of consistency during rounds, and practicing from short distances only helps.
Speed Ladder with Increasing Distances
Place four tees in a line, three feet apart, at 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet. Start by hitting the nearest tee, then attempt to hit each target that is further away. Its location should be closer to each tee without exceeding it. This progression raises the awareness of pace, leading to fine-tuning in the length and force of the stroke. This awareness leads to improving our ability to judge distance, resulting in fewer long second putts.
Building Confidence with Routine Practice
Having faith in one stroke and decision-making comes with practice. The more these drills are repeated, the better the habits. A player who practices more will have more confidence on the course. You can be confident because you know what to expect, even with the adrenaline going.
Conclusion
Make sure every golfer plays to the next stroke; the results will take care of themselves. This is what happens when you place your faith in the grind and in the day-to-day habits; you see incremental results over time. Each perfect putt provides confidence; each miss is the lesson.
Building speed control and confidence comes from consistent work in purposeful practice routines. These specific skills aim to lower scores and enhance enjoyment. Integrate these during practice, and golfers will see improved results and play more enjoyable rounds.
